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Final Rule Requires Government Contractors To Implement Basic Cybersecurity

On May 16, the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration issued a final rule on Basic Safeguarding of Contractor Information Systems, which will require government contractors to implement basic cybersecurity measures for systems handling “Federal contract information.” It inserts a new contract clause in solicitations and contracts that imposes “basic safeguarding measures” on contractor information systems covered by the rule. It will apply to all acquisitions by federal agencies other than those for commercially available off-the-shelf items, and requires contractors to include the clause in any subcontracts as well. The rule will become effective June 15, 2016.

Compare jurisdictions: BYOD: Bring Your Own Device

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